Farida Abu-Bakare is a Fellow of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC). The RAIC is a national, not-for-profit organization that represents architects and architecture in Canada. The RAIC's mission is to provide resources, education, and tools to elevate the architectural community in Canada.

Abu-Bakare is an architect and the Director of Global Practice at WXY architecture + urban design. Her work includes a diverse portfolio of projects in North America, the Middle East, and Africa. Her projects range from civic buildings and urban design interventions to temporary structures and pavilions.

Abu-Bakare's work is characterized by a desire to break away from convention and to support the next generation. She is also the founder and chair of the Black Architects and Interior Designers Association (BAIDA), which promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion in the architecture and interior design profession in Canada.

Abu-Bakare's education includes a Master of Architecture from Toronto Metropolitan University and a Bachelor of Architectural Studies from Carleton University. She is also a registered architect in Ontario.


Farida brings a wealth of global experience to her role as a Director, as she has lived and worked on projects throughout Africa, Canada, the Middle East and the United States on a range of typologies including aviation, cultural, healthcare, higher education, justice, residential and urban design projects. Prior to joining WXY with focus on urban design, she led the design development of three redevelopment masterplanning projects in Accra, Ghana initiated by Ghana’s Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture. The plans aim to transform the city’s waterfront and convention centre.